UCL: Dortmund Dominates Sporting CP with 3-0 Away Win

Borussia Dortmund secures a convincing 3-0 away win against Sporting CP in the Champions League, with Serhou Guirassy scoring and assisting.

Borussia Dortmund secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Sporting CP in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout tie at Estadio Jose Alvalade. This triumph marked only the third time in their last 13 attempts that Dortmund have won an away leg in the Champions League knockout stage.

Despite concluding the group stage with a four-game winless streak, Sporting CP had reason to be optimistic, given their rare progression to the Champions League knockout stage. Meanwhile, Dortmund's impressive performance in the group stage contrasted with their inconsistent Bundesliga form this season, suggesting they were not at their best.

The first half belonged to Sporting CP, with Maximiliano Araujo coming closest to scoring when his long-range effort struck the crossbar after 15 minutes. Later, Joao Simoes squandered another opportunity eight minutes before halftime, firing straight at goalkeeper Gregor Kobel after meeting Harder's cross from the byline.

Sporting CP, unbeaten at home under new manager Rui Borges, ultimately failed to capitalize on their first-half dominance. Dortmund's second-half resurgence led to a resounding 3-0 victory, handing them a significant advantage ahead of the return leg.

Borussia Dortmund recognized the need to shift into high gear in the second half, and they promptly did so, making a lively start. Karim Adeyemi's 25-yard effort was pushed away by Rui Silva, signaling Dortmund's renewed intent.

Delight for Dortmund ⚽️⚽️⚽️#UCL pic.twitter.com/J4HcjAwf2s

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 11, 2025

The match was crying out for a goal to inject some much-needed energy, and Serhou Guirassy was the most likely candidate to provide it. The Guinean forward has been in scintillating form in the Champions League, and his moment arrived when Julian Brandt delivered a cross from the right touchline. Guirassy rose above the rest, sending a looping header over Silva and into the right corner for his 10th Champions League goal this season, drawing level with Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski.

Guirassy again 🥇#UCL pic.twitter.com/eKEzRKc8Fn

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 11, 2025

Having broken the deadlock, Serhou Guirassy promptly turned provider, delivering a precise cross into the box that picked out Pascal Gross. Gross cleverly directed the ball into the net via his thigh, propelling the visitors into a commanding lead.

Dortmund further solidified their advantage inside the final 10 minutes, as Karim Adeyemi capped off a swift counter-attack with a clinical finish. This emphatic victory rounded off a flawless evening for the German side.

The result presents Sporting CP with a daunting task, as they aim to qualify for the last 16 for only the second time since the 2008/09 season. Conversely, Dortmund's quest to reach a second consecutive Champions League final remains firmly on track, with their exceptional form in this season's competition continuing unabated.